Whodini

 Whodini was an American hip hop group formed in 1982 in Brooklyn, New York. The group consisted of Jalil Hutchins, John Fletcher (also known as Ecstasy), and Drew Carter (also known as Grandmaster Dee). They were among the first hip hop groups to incorporate R&B and rock elements into their music, and their distinctive sound helped to establish them as one of the most influential acts of the early hip hop era.

Jalil Hutchins and John Fletcher had been friends since childhood, and they began performing together as DJs in the early 1980s. They were soon joined by Drew Carter, who had previously been a member of the hip hop group Whispers. The trio began performing together under the name Whodini, which was a combination of the words "who" and "houdini."

Whodini's first single, "Magic's Wand," was released in 1982 and became a hit on the R&B and hip hop charts. The group's debut album, "Whodini," was released later that year and featured the hit singles "The Haunted House of Rock" and "Friends." The album was a commercial success and established Whodini as a major force in hip hop.

Over the course of the 1980s, Whodini released a string of successful albums and hit singles. Their 1984 album, "Escape," featured the hit singles "Five Minutes of Funk" and "Freaks Come Out at Night," and went platinum. The group's 1986 album, "Back in Black," featured the hit singles "Funky Beat" and "One Love," and also went platinum.

In addition to their success as recording artists, Whodini were also known for their energetic live performances. They often incorporated elaborate dance routines and stage props into their shows, and were praised for their ability to connect with their audience.

In the late 1980s, Whodini's popularity began to wane as the hip hop landscape shifted towards more hardcore and gangsta rap. The group continued to release music throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, but with less commercial success.

Tragically, John Fletcher passed away on December 23, 2020, at the age of 56. His death was mourned by fans and fellow musicians alike, who recognized his contributions to hip hop and his status as one of the genre's pioneers.

Despite their ups and downs over the years, Whodini's impact on hip hop cannot be overstated. They helped to pioneer the fusion of hip hop and R&B, and their distinctive sound and style inspired countless other artists in the years that followed.